There is no other way as to pull the door sealing out first and then try to pull the door panel after of course you remvoed the screws which hold the panel.
Go to my website below, there is a link to Johan & Sean, on that page it is shown how Johan did that on the rear door of an E32 with the same problem. That also shows you the innards of the door with door lock etc., so that you get an idea.
Remove the seat first to have better access and more space for working.